New tool design for patients with foot drop

Introduction:

 Vanderbilt University students have developed an innovative tool to assist patients with Drop Foot, a condition that makes it difficult to lift the front part of the foot. This project was part of a course called “How to Make Almost Anything and Make it Matter,” led by Professor Kevin Galloway¹.

The team, comprising students from different engineering disciplines, collaborated with a Rehabilitation Specialist to create a solution that allows patients to walk safely in a clinical setting. Their design includes an elastic band and a sled-like structure for easy attachment and detachment¹.

This initiative is a great example of how interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning can lead to real-world solutions that improve people’s lives. It also highlights Vanderbilt University’s commitment to blending technical innovation with societal impact.

How does the tool work?

The therapeutic tool designed by Vanderbilt students for patients with Drop Foot works by incorporating an elastic band and a sled-like structure. The elastic band component is likely used to provide the necessary tension to assist in lifting the front part of the foot, which is a common difficulty faced by individuals with Drop Foot. The sled-like structure would facilitate easy attachment and detachment, making it practical for use in a clinical setting.

This design allows physical therapists to help patients walk safely by compensating for the weakness or paralysis that prevents them from lifting their foot properly. It’s a creative solution that emphasizes ease of use and durability, addressing the limitations of previous methods. The tool’s development involved multiple prototype testing and feedback from physical therapists, ensuring that the final product effectively meets the needs of patients.

Does Vanderbilt have a physical therapy program?

Yes, Vanderbilt University offers resources and guidance for students interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy through their Pre-health Professions advisory office. They provide information on course prerequisites, accredited PT and PTA programs, and the admissions process for physical therapy schools.

Additionally, Vanderbilt Health in Nashville, TN, offers a range of rehabilitation services, including outpatient physical therapy, hand (occupational) therapy, and medical fitness programs. They also have specialized Physical Therapy (PT) residency programs in Orthopaedics (Sports), Pediatrics, and Neurology, which are unique offerings that make Vanderbilt one of the few hospital systems in the country to offer multiple PT residencies.

Vanderbilt Physical therapy locations

Vanderbilt University Medical Center offers a range of rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, at various locations. One such location is the Physical Medical Rehabilitation Clinic situated at 2201 Childrens Way, Nashville, TN, 37212¹. They are open from 08:00 - 17:00, Monday to Friday, with a break from 12:00 - 13:00. You can contact them at (615) 322-0738 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

For a comprehensive list of services and additional locations, you can visit their official website². They provide personalized care through outpatient physical therapy, hand (occupational) therapy, and medical fitness programs, tailored to help patients recover from orthopaedic injuries or surgeries.

Please note that the information provided is based on the latest available details and it’s always a good idea to check directly with the clinic for the most current information.

Vanderbilt orthopedics physical therapy

Vanderbilt Orthopaedics offers comprehensive physical therapy services for a variety of orthopedic conditions. Their team includes physical therapists and athletic trainers who work with patients to restore range of motion, flexibility, strength, mobility, and endurance. They provide therapy for conditions such as ACL repair, foot and ankle injuries, hip impingement, ligament and tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, overuse injuries, post-operative care, and shoulder injuries.

The Vanderbilt Orthopaedic Fitness Center features a dedicated fitness area with equipment and multi-use space, where the staff collaborates with therapists, athletic trainers, and doctors to personalize fitness plans for patients.

For more detailed information or to schedule an appointment, you can contact Vanderbilt Orthopaedics directly. They are located at 1215 21st Avenue South, Suites 3200 and 4200, Nashville, TN, 37232, and their phone number is (615) 936-7846. Their office hours are Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 17:003. Please note that this information is based on the latest available details and could be subject to change. It’s always best to reach out to them directly for the most current information.

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